Quick answer
Enable TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot in your BIOS/UEFI settings. Then restart your PC, launch Valorant, and the error should be gone.
Why VAN 81 happens
Valorant's anti-cheat, Vanguard, checks that your system has two security features turned on: TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) and Secure Boot. Both are required by Windows 11, but some PCs don't have them enabled out of the box—especially if you built the PC yourself or upgraded from Windows 10 without checking your BIOS settings. When Vanguard can't find these, it refuses to let Valorant run, and you get VAN 81.
This error is most common after a Windows update, a BIOS reset, or when you swap out your motherboard or CPU. I've seen it happen on Asus, MSI, Gigabyte, and Dell machines. The fix is the same across all of them: turn on TPM and Secure Boot in the BIOS.
Step-by-step fix for VAN 81
Before you start: write down any BIOS changes you make. If something goes wrong, you can always reset to defaults.
- Reboot your PC and enter the BIOS/UEFI. As soon as the screen lights up, mash the key that opens BIOS setup. On most systems, it's Delete, F2, or F10. On Dell, it's usually F2. On HP, F10. If you miss it, just restart and try again.
- Find the TPM setting. It's usually under Advanced or Security. On MSI boards, it's called Trusted Computing and then TPM Device Selection. On Asus, it's under Advanced > Trusted Computing > TPM Support. Set it to Enabled. If you see a choice between TPM 1.2 and TPM 2.0, pick 2.0.
- Enable Secure Boot. Look for Boot or Security tab. Find Secure Boot and set it to Enabled. On some boards, you need to switch from CSM (Compatibility Support Module) to UEFI mode first. If you see OS Type, pick Windows UEFI Mode.
- Save and exit. Press F10 to save changes and reboot. Your system should restart. After you see the Windows login screen, you're good.
- Check that it worked. Open Valorant. If Vanguard needs to update, let it. Then launch the game. The VAN 81 error should be gone.
Alternative fixes if the main one fails
If you've already enabled TPM and Secure Boot, but VAN 81 still pops up, try these:
- Reinstall Vanguard. Uninstall Vanguard from Add or Remove Programs. Reboot your PC. Then launch Valorant—it'll reinstall Vanguard automatically during the first launch.
- Update your BIOS. Check your motherboard manufacturer's website for the latest BIOS version. An outdated BIOS can cause TPM to not be detected properly. Updating is risky (do it only if you're comfortable), but it's solved this for a few users on older Ryzen boards.
- Check Windows 11 requirements. Run System Information (press Win+R, type
msinfo32, hit Enter). Look for Secure Boot State—it should say On. Then check Device Encryption Support—if it says Meets prerequisites, you're fine. If not, you might have a hardware issue with your TPM chip.
How to prevent VAN 81 from coming back
Once it's fixed, the error usually stays gone. But there's one common trap: if you ever reset your BIOS (by clearing CMOS or removing the motherboard battery), you'll lose the TPM and Secure Boot settings. After a BIOS reset, always check that both are re-enabled before launching Valorant. Also, if you upgrade your CPU or motherboard, recheck these settings. I've seen people swap a Ryzen 3000 for a Ryzen 5000 and forget to toggle TPM back on—VAN 81 came right back. So make it a habit: after any hardware change, spend 30 seconds in the BIOS to confirm TPM and Secure Boot are enabled.